More than 1 million pounds of food was distributed by Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee during the six weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

Approximately 130 agencies and organizations, from churches to a housing authority and the Salvation Army, received and distributed the food to area individuals, families and seniors in need.

In addition, more than 5,300 Thanksgiving boxes, including a turkey and all the trimmings, were also given out as a result of WCQR’s Project Thanksgiving, a partnership with the Food Bank.

Project Thanksgiving raised $132,000 to support those 5,300 families that otherwise would not have had a traditional Thanksgiving meal this year.

“Everyone has been generous during this Thanksgiving season and we are most grateful,” said Rhonda Chafin, Second Harvest executive director. “We are thankful for the Northeast Tennessee community for helping us provide food assistance to an average of over 38,000 people each month in the region. Please remember help is needed year- round.”

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee feeds the hungry by securing and distributing food and grocery products to non-profit agencies that provide services to the needy in the eight-county region of Northeast Tennessee. To learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee visit www.netfoodbank.org